Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan and set it aside.
In a mixing bowl, peel and mash the ripe bananas using a fork or a potato masher until smooth. If you prefer some banana chunks in your bread, leave it slightly chunky.
Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and stir until well combined. Then, beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until the wet ingredients are fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Pour the banana bread batter into the greased loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep in mind that baking times can vary, so start checking around the 50-minute mark. If the top begins to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Once the banana bread is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing into warm banana bread can be tempting, but letting it cool allows the flavors to develop and the bread to set properly.
Slice, serve, and savor your homemade banana bread! It's fantastic as is, or you can add a spread of butter, cream cheese, or peanut butter for an extra treat.
